Wall opening enclosure



ug, 3, 1937.. J. E. PATTERsoN v 2,088,866 'I V WALL OPENING ENCLOSUREFiled Feb. 8, 19,56 8 Sheets-Sheetv l /3 -A (ff y Y 5 Fig. l.

Aug 3 1937- J. E. PATTERSON 2,088,866

WALL OPENINQENCLOSURE Filed Feb. '8, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 ug., 3, l 7.,

J. E. PATTERSON 2,088,866 WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE Alm, 3, E937. J.PATTERSON WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE 8 sheets-sheet 4 Filed Feb. a, 1956Aug. 3, 1937. ,-1. E. PATTERsoN WALL oPENING ENcLosURE 8 Sheets-Shet 5Filed Feb s, 1956 Aug. 3, '1937.

J. E. PATTERSON WALLNOPENING ECLOSURE Filed Feb.'8, 1936 a sheets-sheets Aug. 3, 1937. J. E. PATTERSON WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE Filed Feb. 8,1936 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 jig VVE/V7 azezasam Array/vm zg Z4.

Aug. 3, 1937. J. E'. PATTERSON K' WALL OPENING ENcLosURE Filed Feb.l 8,1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I ,14.1, Il W Patented Aug. 3, 1937 PATENT OFFIQE2,088,866 WALL OPENING ENoLosURE James E. Patterson, Washington, D. C.,assignor to George F. Garwood, Salt Lake City, Utah Application February8, 1936, Serial No. 63,006

22 Claims.

f The present invention relates to a closure for openings, and moreparticularly to openings in buildings and the like wherein it isdesirable at tim-es to provide a comparatively wide opening which may bequickly,` conveniently, and securely closed when desired.

In building structures, particularly store fronts `and similarconstructions, it is desirable to open the front completely without anyobjectionable projections extending across the opening, while at thesame time providing means whereby to close or partly close this openingin cold or inclement weather, or when shutting up the shop or store atthe end of the day.

It has been proposed in certain constructions lto provide a plurality ofhinged closure members either in the form of multiple doors or windowshinged at their edges to each other so as to be extensible across theopening, or to utilize individual closure members which hinge to theupper part of the openingor supporting structure.v

Vertically movable sliding sash members have also been proposed in whichthe guiding supports therefor are carried by the building structureabove the opening.

None of the above constructions has been found to be entirelysatisfactory due to the fact that these constructions are very unsightlyand difflcult to operate, but possibly the most serious drawback is thatthe structures mentioned are inherently weak or frail and may be easilybroken or damaged by storms, etc.

No satisfactory means has ever, so far as I am aware, been devisedwhereby a comparatively large building structure opening, such as along,

unobstructed shop or store counter, may be quickly and easily convertedinto a closed` store iront having mullion members extending across theopening and sash members therebetween, the structure, when so converted,having all of the strength and rigidity of constructions whereinpermanent mullion members are utilized in conjunction with sliding sashmembers.

An object of my invention is, therefore, to provide a constructionwherein a building structure having a comparatively wide, unobstructedopening may be quickly and easily converted into a fully or partlyclosed opening, as desired.

Another object is the provision of a closureV for openings in buildingstructures having a plurality of sash members which are movable acrossthe opening to close the same, together with intermediate movable guidemeans or mullion members also movable across the opening to provide a`rigid guiding support for the sash members (Cl. 18S- 64) when so moved,the sash members and guide means when in one position leaving a free andunobstructed opening.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a counter havingan unobstructed opening above the same, vertically guided movablemullion members which may be projected across the opening intoengagement with the counter, and sliding sash members guidinglysupported by the mullion members and movable across the opening to closeor partly close the same.

A still further object is the provision of stationary or fixed mullionmembers which project partly across a counter opening above the basesupport, there being pivoted sash members between these mullions, thefixed mullion members constituting guiding supports for a plurality oftelescopically-arranged sliding mullion members adapted. to be projectedacross the opening into locking engagement with the counter or basesupport, so that a plurality of extremely rigid vertical mullion membersare provided, there being sliding sash members which are guided by thetelescopic mullion members, both the sash members and their guidingmullion members being shiftable upwardly out of the opening to provide afree and unobstructed, comparatively wide counter space whenso moved.

A further object is to provide in an unobstructed buildingv structureopening a mullion member which is movable across the opening, and a sashmember also movable across the opening, the sash member being guidinglysupported by the mullion member, and separate counter- `balancing meansfor the sash and mullion members to permit easy and convenient shiftingthereof.

Another object is to provide locking means for the` movable mullionmember and for the sash so that, when the same are moved to closedposition, they may be securely locked in this position.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will behereinafter described, and the novel features thereof deiined in theappended claims.

In the accompanying drawings,-

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a corner building structure having myinvention incorporated therein and showing certain of the window closuremembers in fully open position, and other of the closure members inpartly closed or fully closed positions.

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevation showing one of thewindow closure members and its cooperating sliding mullion supports infully closed position, and also disclosing portions oi the adjacentsliding sash or closure members.

Figure 3 is a Vertical sectional View taken approximately on the line 33 of Figure 2, the

sliding and pivoted sash members being omitted.

Figure 4 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 3 3of Figure 2, parts being broken away and the upper or hinged sash memberbeing shown in dotted lines in open position.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional View taken approximately on the planeindicated by the line 5 5 of Figure 4, and looking in the direction -`ofthe arrows.

Figure 6 is a similar sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 4 butwith the slidingr sash membersrin raised position.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view on the line 1 1 ofFigure 5.

`Figure 8 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 88 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional View taken on the line 99 of Figure 4, certain of the parts being shown in elevation.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are fragmentary, sectional views taken on thelines {D Il), H Il, and l2 |2 respectively of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view takenapproximately on the plane indicated by line I3 |.3 of Figure 2, certainparts being shown in elevation and disclosing more particularly thellocking instrumentalities for the telescopic mullion members.

Figure 14 is a. vertical, sectional view taken ron the line M M ofFigure 13, certain parts being shown in elevation.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken on the lineI5 l5 of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional yView taken on theline |6 |6 of Figure 13.

Figure 1'7 is a vertical, sectional View taken on the plane indicated byline Il l'l of Figure 14, and showing the locking means. for thetelescopic mullion members vin released position.

Figure 17A is a sectional View similar to Figure 17, but showing thesocket .closure member in the counter for the mullion locking bolt inits ,raised or socket-closing position.

Figure 18 is a' horizontal, sectional view taken on'the line l8 l8 ofFigure 13.'4 l

Figure 19 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional View taken through oneof the sliding'sash muntins.

Figure 20Y is a fragmentary, detailed view of theend portion of one .ofthe sash slot closure members. Y

-Figure 21 is a similar view but'taken at right angles to Figure 20. Y

Figure 22 isa fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken vabout ronthe line 22-22 of Figure 2 `and looking downwardly, and showingaslightly modified form of sliding sash and mullion construction, thesliding sash members being raised and shown in section.

Figure 23 is a fragmentary, Ysectional view disclosing a slightlymodified embodiment of my invention, and taken on the horizontal planebelow thesectional plane-of Figure 22 and looking downwardly.

FigureV 24 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view takenapproximatelyV on the plane indicated by line 2(3 24Y of Figure `23looking downwardly in the vdirection of the arrows.

Figure25 is. a fragmentary, sectional View similar to Figure 23, buttaken on a still lower sectional plane.

Figure 26 is a vertical, sectional view taken through a window openingof the modified embodiment, certain of the parts being broken away.

Figure 2'7 is a detailed View of the swinging sash retaining latch andsliding sash locking means, and

Figure 28 is a detailed, vertical, sectional View of a slightly modifiedform of sliding sash lower sealing means.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the severalfigures of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, l designates the exterior corner walls of abuilding structure having an opening indicated generally at A, which isadapted to be closed by the sash closure members 6. Referring moreparticularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, the reference character 2indicates one of the sash closure members and its adjacenttelescopically-arranged guiding mullions 5 in fully extended positionclosing that portion oi' the opening A, while the reference characters2a, 2b and 2c indicate three adjacent closure members and their guidingmullions in fully raised position, thereby leaving that portion of theopening free and unobstructed. The reference numeral 2d indicates one ofthe closure members in partly raised position, leaving an unobstructedopening although more restricted in height above the counter or shelf 3,as Seen in Figure 1 of the drawings.

While I have illustrated a counter' somewhat lelevated from the floor orground level, it is to be u-nderstood that this counter may be dis--pensed with and a base member disposed level with the iioor or groundsubstituted therefor where it is desirable to provide an entrance orpassagewayinstead of the store or shop window opening, as shown.

, Referring now more particularly to Figures l to 7 of the drawings, Ipreferably employ a piurality of fixed mullion members i which aresuitably secured by bolts la. in the supporting structure or framework 1above the window opening A. Plate washers 'ib and suitable lock washersle maybe provided for securing the bolt members la against displacementand for properly alining the fixed mullion members with respect to thesupporting framework.

These fixed mullion members are preferably of U-shape channelconstruction, as seen in Figure 6, and extend downwardly a shortdistance across the opening, as seen in Figures 1 and 4, and areprovided with a channel-shaped meeting rail or tie member 4a extendingtherebetween, which is preferably of U-shape construction and providedwith weep holes 4b. VA felt scaling strip 4c is disposed in the channelfor engagement with a sealing member fixed to the top of the verticallyslidable sash 6. Pivotally mounted in the upper portion of the openingformed between the fixed mullions are pivoted or hinged closures ortransom members 6b, later to Ybe described in detail.

The fixed mullion members extend upwardly into the super-structure abovethe opening a considerable distance, as seen in Figures 2 and 3 of .thedrawings, and have secured to the end thereof clearly in Figure 4 of thedrawings;

ably connected to the sliding sash, and the ilexible connecting memberor tape I Ic connected to a cross pin IIb` carried by the upper end ofthe movable mullion member 5.

The fixed mullion members 4` have secured to` opposite exterior sidesthereof guide strips 4e having their lower ends tapered, as seen moreSimilar guide strips 4d are secured adjacent the'inner free edges of thexed mullion members for retaining the telescopic or movable mullionmembers 5 in proper sliding relation therein.

Secured to the lower end of the xed mullion members 4 are guide shoes 4ghaving substantially the cross sectional conguration of the telescopicmullion members 5, and each of the movable mullion members 5 comprisesthe substantially channel shape section 5aI which is welded or fotherwise rigidly secured between the flanges'of the member 5, as bestseen in Figure 6 of the drawings. A parting strip 5b is fastened to therear exterior face of the channel portion `da and constitutes thelateral movementlimiting `means for the sliding'sash members 6, theflanges thereof having a sliding engagement with the sides of thisstrip. An inverted, U-shaped channel section or weather strip 5c isdisposed adjacent the rear face of the channel 5a and held in normallyspaced relation therefrom by spacing collers 5i. A bar member 5d iscarried in the upper portion of the movable mullion member and hassuspended therefrom a longitudinallydisposed clamping bar 5e threaded toreceive the screws 5f having their heads suitably xed in the channelsection 5c.

Coiled springs 5h, are carried bythe screws 5f and are interposedbetween the clamping bar 5e and the interior face of the channel-shapedsection 5a,` forming the rear Wall of the movable mullion member. Thetension of these springs 5h tends to urge the clamping bar 5e to theright, as seen in Figure 7, and in this manner the channel section orweather strip 5c is urged inwardly against the projecting edges orflange members on the sliding sash members 6.

The upper end of each of the sliding mullion members has fixed thereon aguide plate or shoe 5g having an exterior configuration which is similarto the interior shape of the xed mullion members 4. The guide plate 4gon the lower end of the xed mullion member 4, and the guide `plate 5g onthe upper end ofthe movable mullion member 5 constitute the guidingmeans for the movable mullion member to retain it inproper 'verticalalinement throughout its rangeof movement.

The upper swinging sash or transom 5b is carried by a` rigid, squareshaft 8, a`s better seen in Figures 4, 9, and 11 of the drawings, thisshaft being xed in squared openings in the side flanges `of the fixedmullion member 4. A bushing member 3a is carried by this shaft adjacentthe U-shaped stop rails 6 for limiting the inward movement ofthe transomsash members Bb.

These bushing members have a cylindrical sleeve bearing to receive thesash bearing members 6c fastened to the vertical edges of the transomsash. Each of these sash bearing members is formed with a shouldered hub8b having a slot 8d formed in the hub to receive the end of a torsionspring 8c for moving the transom sash to` open position, as shown indotted lines in Figure 4 `of the drawings, in order to permit thesliding ing 9a which receives the flanged hub 9b mounted on the shaft 8and provided with a squared, central opening to t theshaft. Both the hubmernber 9by and the enlarged portion `having thecylindrical opening areprovided with radial-holes or apertures 9c in order that the-hub memberv9 may be rotated to properly tension the spring 8c, whereupon a pinmember" may be inserted through the apertures tlcv in orderto interlockthe hub member 9 to the shaft. i

For the purpose of preventing lateral displacement between the sashmember; the shaft 8 and the xed mullion member, I mount on the shaft acollar 9e having an annular groove 9g adapted to receive the recessedextremity of the angle plate 9j secured tothe upper flange of thepivoted sash. i

Mounted between the xedmullion members 4 and above the pivoted sashmember 6b', as clearly seen in Figures 4, 10,11 and 12 of the drawings,is an inverted, U-shaped channel II).` A closure bead or strip Illa issecured to the upper frame of the super-structure againstthe outer faceof this U-shaped channel, and a suitable corking medium IIIb` isinserted between the U-channel and the frame of the super-structure. Inorder to close the space between the upper portion of the pivoted sashand the U-'channel I0, I secure to the U-cha-nnel a resilient plate IIIdwhich may be removed, when desired, torpermit ready'access to the springmemberf for the transom sash for adjustment thereof.

Referring more particularly to Figures 13V to 18 of the drawings, 'Iprovide' suitable locking means for rigidily retaining the extensible"mullion members in their lextended positions, together with readilyreleasable means for releasing the engagement just described to permitthe mullion members to be raised or retracted. This mechanism will nowbe described. Secured in the lower extremity of each of the mullionmembers 5 vis a foot piece or closure I2 held in'position by screws I2a.A second foot piece I2h is secured to the rear face of the mullionmember 5 directly below the end of the weather strip channel 5c.Suitable nger-engaging hooks or lifts lI2c are provided for` raising themullion members. Vertically journaled inthe bushing I2e, screw-threadedin fplace in the lower face of'the foot piecef v enlarged part I2k andthe arcuate rack I 2', and

has one end thereof secured' in an openingprovided in the foot piece I2,.the other end of the spring being inserted in a vertical socket formedin the enlarged part I27c, just mentioned. The lower extremity of theshaft I2 terminates in an enlarged head providing a latch-engagingshoulder I2m4 and an oppos'itely disposed latch release cam I2n,therelease cam being disposed slightly above theshoulder. From thedrawings it will be observed that this semi-rotatable shaft constitutesa locking bolt which projects downward somewhat below the' lowerextremity of the sliding mullion member 5. The base member or counter 3is provided with a flanged tube or socket member I 3 arranged to receivethelocking'bolt or shaft I2d, as clearly seen in l-Figuresgl and 14 ofthe drawings. I preferably provide an annular gasket member I2lsurrounding the bolt I2d and arranged for'weather .sealing engagementwith the counter or base member 3. 1

The socket member is apertured at one side vto receive the extremity ofthe latch member I'3a carried in the bracket I3c secured to the underface of the counter or base member 3.v The spring I3b is provided forprojecting the-bolt I3a inwardly through the apertureY provided in thesocket member I3. The lowerV extremity of the socket member I3'isthreaded to receive a tubular extension I 3d having a cap or closure forthe end thereof, -as indicated at I3e. YSlidably mounted within thesocket member I3 and its 'extension I3d is a socket closure I4 having astop flange or rim I4a formed on lthe lower end thereof. The 'springI4bis disposed within the socket closure member, having its endsconfined by the closure member and the cap, the vpurpose of this springbeing to elevate' the closure member to the position shown in Figure 17Aupon retraction of the sli'dable mullion member to close the recessinthe base member.

, The forked Arack or release member I2g has ay threaded shank I2zonwhich is positioned the push handle'or release member |27', this memberbeingY arranged for sliding movement Vin a guide passage formed in the:foot member I2b.

From the foregoing it will` be observed that ywheny one of the mullionmembers is moved downwardly tothe position shown in Figures 13 and 14 ofthe drawings, the locking bolt or semirrotatable shaft I2d will enterthe socket member I3, forcing the closure therefor downwardly. As themullion member reaches its extreme extended position, the latch-engagingshoulder I2m will be engaged by the latch member I3a., and in this waypositivelylock the mullion member against accidental displacement. Whenit is desired to raise the mullion member, the push handle I2y` isyforced inwardly causing the teeth I2h, on the forked rack member torotate the shaft or bolt I2d. Rotation of this bolt moves thelatchrevlease cam thereon into engagement with thenose of the latchmember l3nt; forcing the same out o of the central bore in thev socketmember I3,

whereupon the mullion member 5 is releasedr and may be readily andeasily 'raised or -moved away from the counter or base member `3.

The sliding vsash members 6 upon elevation thereof move through'anopening in the upper portion of the framework or super-structure, and,in order to close this opening when the sliding sash members arelowered, I provide an aperture closing strip or channel, as indicated atI5, having the free edges thereof bent horizontally, as at I5a,to reston the upper faces of the framework -above the closure opening A.` Theends of the channel strip I5 are provided with flanged plates I 5b, asseen in Figures 20 and 21, these plates being formed with guide channelsI5c adapted to ride on the outside guide strips 4e secured vto thestationary mullion members 4.

The sliding sashmembers 6` are provided adjacent their lower edges withweather strip holding channels IGffor receiving weather strip'orpackying members I6b, as clearly seen in Figure 470i the drawings. Thispacking member may be partially encased in aY supplemental resilientholding strip I6a, if desired. Adjacent the lower edge of the sash, Iarrange an inside closure member I6c in the form of a rectangular-shapedtube having vertical slots intermediate its length through which thesecuring screws are passed.

Theupper edge of the sliding sash is provided -withpa resilientY plate6a secured thereto and extending downwardly in the plane of the sealinggasket 4c in the channel-shaped meeting rail 4a extending between thefixed mullion members. When the sash is moved to closed position, as

seen in Figure 4, this flange 6a. engages the strip 4c to provide aweather seal at this point.

Briefly describing the operation of my invention, we will assume thatthe parts are in the position shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, or, inother words, the window opening is closed. The operator or shop-keeperelevates the sliding sash after unlocking the same, and as the sash iselevated, the upper edge thereof will engage the closure plate I 5,sliding the same upwardly along the 'guide raile. As the sash is movedupwardly, the outwardly-extending guide flanges engage the guide members4d, guiding the same. In order to elevate the mullion members, theoperator depresses the push handle which releases the rlocking shaftfrom engagement with the locking bolt I3a, whereupon the mullion membersmaybe moved upwardly or telescoped within the fixed mullion members, asshown in dotted lines in Figure 4. Under these conditions, it will beobserved that the opening above the counter or base member 3 isunobstructed, as seen in Figure l of the drawings. The pivoted sashmember 6b may also be released and swung outwardly to the dotted lineposition shown in Figure 4.

Figures 22 to 26 inclusive of the drawings show a slightly modified formhaving a rigid mullion member 5k extending across the opening, and

ksecured in the upper super-structure or frame in any desired manner, asby bolts and screws 5l. This mullionv member is preferably of U-channelformation, and is provided with a removable front closure plate 5m heldin place by snaps or-other suitable means. The rear face of thel mullionmember 5k: has a wing channel parting strip I1 secured thereto forengaging the free edges of the sliding sash members 6j, there being aspringpressed, U-shaped sash-retaining channel strip I8 resiliently heldin engagement by the spring tensioned bolt 20, which is threaded intothe spacing collar I8b secured to the inner face of the channel I8. Asmaller U-shaped channel member I 8a is secured to the rear face of thesashretaining channel I8, as clearly seen in Figure 25 of the drawings,for vreceiving the lower r sliding sash screen closure members I9.

Interposed between the fixed mullion members k is a swinging or transomsash member 2I similar in construction and arrangement to the sashmember 6b in my preferred form of the invention.

Y'Ihe sliding sash member is indicated at 22, and

ranged to move upwardly therewith. Rack .members 21 are formed on theopposite edges of the sash kmembers 22,'as seen in Figures 25 and 26 ofthe drawings, these rack members being disposed in meshing engagementwith pinions 28 fixed on the cross Vshafts 29. are journaled in themullion members k, as seen 5 in Figure 23, and each has an extensionprojecting into the interior of the mullion member and carrying a pinion36) ilxedly secured to the shaft.

g The pinion 3@ meshes with a larger pinion 3|, as

seen in Figure 24, xed to a drum member 32 on which is wound a flexiblemember or tape 33, a

counterbalancing weight 3d being secured to the end of the tape. Thepurpose of this construction is to provide a counterbalancing means forthe sliding sa-sh member 22. As the sash member is moved up or down, thepinion 28 is rotated, and through the shaft and pinion 3E), the largerpinion 3l is actuated, thus winding or unwinding the tape 33 against theaction of the weight 34.

In this form of the invention in which a screen member 26 is providedabove the sliding sash 22,

I provide an automatic release means for the pivoted or transom sash,this release means comprising a transom latch lever l I pivotallysecured to a bracket Il carried on the transom sash frame. The lever Ilcarries a locking flange Il arranged to be moved into locking engagementwith the rear face of the sliding sash extension ange 25.k A release pinIla is also carried on the lever H and projects outwardly in the path ofthe upwardly extending portion of the sash ange 25, so that upon upwardmovement of the sash the flange extension 25 will engage this lockingpin lla, rotating the lever ll from the full line to the dotted lineposition as seen in Figure 27 of the drawings, thus moving the lockingilange of the lever I l out of engagement with the flange on the slidingsash. The means for swinging the sash outwardly, when released as justdescribed, is identical with the transom sash swinging means describedin my preferred embodiment of my invention and shown in Figure 9 of thedrawings, and will not, therefore, be described.

In order to lock the sliding sash 22 against unauthorized movement, Iprovide a pivoted locking member 35 having teeth 36 adapted to engagethe teeth on the pinion 28, when this locking member is moved to lockingor full line position as shown in Figure 26 of the drawings.

,50 Certain of the parts disclosed in connection with the modiedembodiment in Figures 22 to 27 of the drawings are similar to thosedisclosed in my preferred embodiment, and these parts will be given thesame reference numerals in both .55 constructions.

Figure 28 discloses a slightly modied weathersealing means for the loweredge of the sliding sash in which a plurality of sealing gaskets llaaare provided.

I claim:-

1. In a device of the class described, a structure having anunobstructed opening, a closure member longitudinally movable acrosssaid 'open- 65 ing to close the same, and longitudinally movable guidemeans for said closure member Vertically movable into a position acrosssaid opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed positionand for supporting the closure in closed positions.

2. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, aclosure member movable across said opening to close the same, andtelescopic guide means for said closure member 75 movable across saidopening for guiding the lto These cross shafts closure member to andfrom closed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions.

3. In a device of the class described, a strucvture having an opening, asliding sash closure member movable across said opening to close thesame, and telescopic guide means for said closure member movable acrosssaid opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed positionand for supporting the closure in closed y positions.

4. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, asliding sash closure member movable across said opening to close thesame, telescopic guide means for said closure member movable across saidopening for guiding the closure member to and from closed position andfor supporting the closure in closed positions, and means for holdingsaid guide means in guiding position.

5. In a device of. the class described, a structure having an opening, aplurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guidemeans for said mullions mounted on said structure, and a plurality ofsliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movableacross said opening to close the same.

6. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, aplurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guidemeans` for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality ofsliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movableacross said opening to close the same, and counterbalancing means forsaid sliding mullions to balance the weight thereof.

'7. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, aplurality of sliding mullion members movable across` said opening, guidemeans for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality ofsliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movableacross said opening to close the same, counterbalancing means for saidsliding mullions to balance the weight thereof, and separate sashbalancing means for said sliding sash members.

8. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, aplurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guidemeans for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality ofsli-ding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movableacross said opening to close the same, counterbalancing meansI for saidsliding mullions to balance the weight thereof, separate sash balancingmeans for said sliding sash members, and locking means for retainingsaid sliding mullion members in position across said structure open-111g.

9. In a device of the class described, a building structure having anopening, a closure for said opening including a mullion-receivingsupport, a mullion member telescopically carried by said support andextendible across said structure opening, and a sliding sash memberguided by said mullion member and independently movable across theopening to close the same.

10. In a device of the class described, a building structure having anopening, a closure for said opening including a mullion-receivingsupport, a mullion member telescopically carried by ing"means forholding said extensible mullion member in'. extended positionacross theopening.

11. In a building structure of ther class described having an opening, acounter below said opening, aV mullion support disposed above saidcounter, and spaced therefrom, a mullion member extensibly mounted' insaidV support and vertically movable across' the opening `above thecounter and having sash guide means, and a movable sash guided by saidguide means and movable to close the last-mentioned opening.

` `12.,In a building structure of the class described, havingan'opening, a base member horizontally extending across the bottom ofsaid opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on saidstructure above the opening, a` mullion member telescopically mounted insaid guide' means and extensible downwardly across said opening intoengagement with said base member, sash guide means on said mullionmember, and a sliding sashr member operable in saidr mullion guide meansand movable vertically across said opening .into engagement with saidbase member to close Ythe opening, said mullion 25 and said sash beingvertically movable away from said base member. and when so moved topresent an unobstructed opening.

13. In ,aV building structure of the class described, having anopening,`a base member hori- 30 zontally extending across the bottom ofsaid opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on saidstructure above the opening, a mullion member telescopically mounted insaid guide means and extensible downwardly across 35 said opening intoengagement with said base member, sash guide means on saidmullionmember, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guidemeans and movable vertically across said opening into engagement withsaid base 40 member to close the opening, said mullion and said sashbeing vertically movable away from said base member and when so moved topresent an unobstructed opening, and cooperative Weather sealing meanscarried by said mullion 45 and sash members.

14. In a building structure of the class described, having an openingeabase member horizontally` extending,across,"the bottom of said opening,vertically disposed mullion guide means `50 mounted on 'said structureabove'the opening, a mullionV member telescopically Vmounted in saidguide 'means and extensibledownwardly across saidy opening intoengagement with said base member, sash guide means on said mullion mem-55 ber, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guide means andmovable vertically across said opening into engagement with said basemember tov close the opening, said mullion and s aid sash beingverticallyV movable away from 60 said base member and when so movedtopresent an unobstructed opening, cooperative weather sealing meanscarried by said mullion and sash members, and separate weather sealingmeans carried by said sash for cooperative engagement 65 with said basemember when said sash is moved to close the opening. Y, Y

15. In a `building structureof the class idescribedhaving an opening, abase member hori- Izontally extending across the bottom vof said 70opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on saidstructure above the opening, a mullion member telescopically mounted inlsaid guidel means and extensible downwardlyvacross Y saidtopening intoengagementwwith said, base 75 member, sash guide means on said mullionmemapes-,co

b'er, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guide means andmovable vertically across said opening into engagement with said basemember to close the opening, said mullion and said sash being verticallymovable away from said base member and when so moved to present anunobstructed opening, cooperative weather sealingmeans carried by saidmullion and sash members, separate weather sealing means carried by saidsash for cooperative engagement with said base member when said sash ismoved to close the opening, and a weather seal carried on the lower endof said mullion for engagement with said base member when said mullionis extended across said opening.

16. In a buildingv structure of the class described having a wallopening, a plurality of fixed mullion members extending partly acrosssaid opening, a sash member disposed between said xed mullions, slidingmullions telescopically disposed in said xed mullion and extensibleacross the opening, and movable sash members carried by said slidingmullions and shiftable to close the opening when said sliding mullionsare in extended position.

17. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, aplurality of mullions disposed across said opening, a horizontallypivoted sash disposed between said mullions in the upper portion of saidopening, a vertically movable sliding sash carried by said mullions andmovable to close the balance of said opening, locking means for saidpivoted sash carried thereby for locking engagement with said slidingsash to retain the pivoted sash in closed position, and means operableby the sliding sash for automatically releasing said locking means uponupward movement thereof from its closed position.

18. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, aplurality of mullions disposed across said opening, a horizontallypivoted sash disposed between said mullions in the upper portion of saidopening, a vertically movable sliding sash carried by said mullions andmovable to close the balance of said opening, locking means for saidpivoted sash carried thereby for locking engagement with said slidingsash to retain the pivoted sash in closed position, means operable bythe sliding sash for automatically releasing said locking means uponupward movement thereof from its yclosed position, and means forautomatically swinging said pivoted sash to open position when soreleased.

19. In a device of the class described, a structure having anunobstructed opening, a closure member movable across said opening toclose the same, longitudinally movable guide means for saidk closuremember vertically movable from a position exterior of the opening into aposition across said opening for guiding the closure member to and fromclosed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions, andreleasable locking means for retaining said guides in guiding positionacross the opening.

20. In a device of the class described, a building structure having anopening, a closure member movable across the opening to close the same,longitudinally movable guide means extensible across the opening forguiding said'closure across said opening to and from closed position andfor supporting the closure in closed position, said guide means beingretractible from the opening subsequent to the movement off the closureunobstructed opening in the building structure,

2,088,866 `and. releasable locking means at the side of the opening forpositively retaining said guide means in guiding position across theopening and releasable to permit retraction of the guide means from itsposition across the opening. Y

21. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, amullon guide member movably carried by the building structure at oneside oi the opening and movable to a position across the said openingand movable out of the opening to provide an unobstructed opening, asliding sash member arranged to be guided by said mullon guide means toand from a position across said opening, and releasable locking meansdisposed at the other side of the opening for releasably retaining themullon member in its position across the opening.

22. In a building structure of the class de-l scribed having an opening,a xed mullon member extending downwardly partly across said opening, aremovable mullon member carried by said xed mullion member and movableto 'a position extending across the balance of the opening, and asliding sash member in guiding cooperation With both of said mullonmembers and movable to completely close the opening when in one positionand to move completely out of the opening when shifted toanotherposition.

JAMES E. PATTERSON

